Combination package

ABSTRACT

An attachment for a carton is provided which is designed to support a second product or premium or which may merely provide added display space. Connecting flanges are provided at the top and bottom edges of the attachment which overlap, and are secured to, the top and bottom closures of the carton to hold a display panel substantially flush with a carton wall.

United States Patent Jerry B. Giesler Lombard, lll.

June 19, 1970 Dec. [4, 1971 Hoerner Waldorf Corporation Ramsey, Minn.

inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee COMBINATION PACKAGE 10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl

206/47 R, 206/4531 Int. Cl 865d 25/00 Field of Search 206/4531, 47 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,588 7/1938 Ruff 206/47 R Primary Examiner- Evon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-l. Kenneth Silvernnan Attorney-Robert M. Dunning ABSTRACT: An attachment for a cart-on is provided which is designed to support a second product. or premium or which may merely provide added display space. Connecting flanges are provided at the top and bottom edges of the attachment which overlap, and are secured to, the top and bottom closures of the carton to hold a display panel substantially flush with a carton wall.

Pmmmd Um. 14, 1971 JNT 2 SheetsSheet l INVENTOR JERRY GIESLER """ATTORNEY WWW Um. M9 1971 mzmw 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR JERRY 5. G/ESLfR ATTORNEY COMBINATION PACKAGE This invention relates to an improvement in combination package and deals particularly with a display carton useful in displaying an item of merchandise, and a panel structure connected to the display carton to which a second article of merchandise may be attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One of the most common ways of promoting a new article of merchandise has been to attach the new item to a well-known product and to give away a sample of the product with the purchase of the known article. As an example, a company producing a spray deodorant may desire to produce moist deodorant pads. In order to introduce the pads to the public, packages of the new product may be given away with each container of spray deodorant. Similarly, a premium may be given away with a canon of product, and means may be provided for attaching the premium to a display panel attached to the carton.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention lies in the provision of a carton attachment including a display panel to which the premium or similar item is attached. This panel is provided at its upper and lower edges with flanges which may be folded rearwardly into right angular relation to the display panel. These flanges extend laterally beyond one side edge of the display panel, and are provided with interlocking means which act to connect the flanges to carton closures, thereby holding the display panel in substantially coplanar relation with the display side of the canon.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a canon attachment to which an article to be displayed may be attached while the attachment is separate from the carton. The attachment is connected to the carton by merely folding the tip and bottom flanges into parallel relation, inserting them into the carton closure structure, and locking the ends of the flanges to the carton closures.

A further feature of the present invention resides in a structure of the type described which includes a stabilizing flange hingedly connected to a vertical edge of the display panel of the attachment, the stabilizing flange being foldable into right angular relation to the display panel and to engage against a sidewall of the carton to which the attachment is secured. This flange rigidities the display panel, and assists in holding it in substantially coplanar relation to the display panel of the carton.

A further feature of the present invention resides in a carton attachment of the type described which is difficult or virtually impossible to detach from the carton without mutulating either portions of the carton or of the attachment so that the detachment is readily discernable by a prospective customer.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a device of the type described in which the top and bottom flanges are generally right triangular in shape, and extend from the display panel angularly to the carton to which the attachment is connected. As a result, the display panels of two adjoining carton attachments may overlap when the cartons containing the display panels are shipped, thus materially reducing the space required in the shipping container and materially stabilizing the load.

These and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carton and its attachment in one display position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton and its attachment in a second display position.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a form of carton blank which may be used with the attachment.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through a portion of the carton and the attachment, showing a manner of locking the two parts together.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the attachment removed from the carton.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a blank from which the attachment is formed.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of one of the locks.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified form of display carton showing the attachment in position thereupon.

As indicated in FIG. I of the drawings, the carton display attachment A is designed for use on a carton B used to hold a product such as C. In the particular arrangement illustrated, the product C comprises a spray bottle which is to be sold in combination with packet such as ID containing deodorant pads, and which are mounted on the attachment A.

The carton B is essentially a regular tuck-end carton including a rear wall 10, a first sidewall 11, a front wall 12, and a second sidewall 13. These walls are connected along parallel fold lines 14, I5 and 16. A glue flap I7 is connected to the second wall panel I3 along a fold line 19 which is parallel to the previously described lines of fold. Also in the particular arrangement illustrated, the front panel 12 is provided with an aperture or window 20 therein through which the product C may be viewed.

A top closure panel 21 is hingedly connected to the upper end of the front panel 12 along the fold line 22, and sidewall flaps 23 and 24 are hingedly connected to the upper ends of the side panels 11 and 13, along continuations of fold line 22. A tuck flap 25 is hingedly connected to the top closure panel 21 along a fold line 26 which is parallel to the fold line 22. The tuck flap 25 is designed to fold inwardly of the rear wall.

A bottom closure panel 27 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of the front wall I2 along a fold line 29. Sidewall flaps 30 and 31 are hingedly connected to the sidewalls I1 and 13 along continuations of the fold line 29. A tuck flap 32 is hingedly connected to the bottom closure panel 27 along a fold line 33 which is parallel to the fold line 29. The tuck flap 32 is designed to tuck inwardly of the rear wall flap l0. Obviously, the top and bottom closure panels could be alternative ly connected to the rear wall if so desired.

The cartons are set up in the usual manner, the glue flap I6 being secured in overlapping relation with the free edge of the rear panel I0 to form a flat tubular structure. When squared up into rectangular form, the ends are also closed in a conventional manner by folding the side flaps 30 and 31 into a common plane, folding the bottom closure panel to underlie the flaps 30 and 31, and inserting the tuck flap 32 inwardly of the rear wall I0. After the carton has been formed, the top closure may be formed in the same manner.

The display attachment A is constructed as is best indicated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. As illustrated, this display device includes a front panel 36 and a rear panel 37 of substantially similar size to the front panel and connected thereto along a fold line 39. A first stabilizing flange 40 is connected to the front panel 36 along a fold line 41, while a second stabilizing flange 42 is connected to the rear panel 37 along a fold line 43. A trapezoidal top connecting flange 44 is hingedly connected to the upper edge of the front panel 36 along a fold line 45 while a similar trapezoidal connecting flange 46 is foldably connected to the lower edge of the front panel 36 along a fold line 47. The trapezoidal flanges 44 and 45 actually include triangular areas 49 (see FIG. 5) and generally rectangular extensions 50 which project beyond a side edge of the front and rear panels 36 and 37, and which are designed to overlap the top and bottom closure panels of the carton B.

As indicated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, a sheet of transparent film indicated by the broken line 51 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel 36, the edges of the film sheet overlapping the stabilizing flange 40 and rear wall panel 37. Also, in the particular arrangement illustrated, a window opening 52 is provided in the front panel extending the full width of the packet D being displayed. In the particular arrangement illustrated, the window 52 extends the full width of the front panel 36; but obviously, the width of the window depends upon the size and proportions of the product B to be displayed. lf the attachment A is designed solely to serve as an added display area, the window 52 may be omitted. The film 51 which is used may be stretch film, shrink film or a film which may be preformed to provide a pocket for containing the product D.

After the packets D have been placed against the rear sur face of the film 51 overlying the window 50, the rear panel 37 is folded rearwardly into face contact with the rear surface of the front panel 36, and the two panels are secured in this position by any suitable means such as adhesive, heat sealing, or the like. When the attachment A is used, the stabilizing flanges 40 and 42 are folded back into right angular relation to the panels 36 and 37 as indicated in H0. of the drawings. The trapezoidal connecting flanges 44 and 46 are folded into parallel relationship, and. the rectangular extension portions 50 are inserted between the top and bottom closure flaps 21 and 27 and the underlying side flaps. Means are provided for locking the rectangular extensions 50 to the carton so that the attachment A will be securely locked to the carton B.

As indicated in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, the top and bottom closure flaps 2i and 27 are provided with generally T- shaped locks 53 including a stem portion 54 and crossarrns 55 connected to the stem 54 along angularly related fold lines 56. As indicated in H05. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the trapezoidal flanges 44 and 46 are provided with generally V-shaped cut lines, the ends of which are connected by fold lines 59 in a manner to define generally triangular tabs 60 which are of approximately the same shape and design as the stem portions 54 of he locks 53. When the ends 50 of the flaps 44 and 46 are positioned beneath the locks 53, the central portions of these locks are forced through the cut lines 57 in the manner generally indicated in H0. 4 of the drawings, locking the attachment A from accidental disengagement from the carton B. ln order to permit the lock to pass through the flaps 44 and 46, the underlying closure flaps 23 and 30 of the carton B may be cut away as indicated at 6l.

Obviously, this type of lock will function effectively only if the contents of the carton provide a space in such a manner that the locks 53 may be inserted. Other types of locks may be used to anchor the flap end 50 in place if the specific form of the lock illustrated cannot function. Actually the flap ends 50 could be adhered to the flap structure at the top and bottom end of the carton, but usually interengaging locks are preferable from a standpoint of simplicity of packaging.

When the attachment A indicated in FIG. 5 of the drawings is attached to the carton B, and the locks are engaged, the stabilizing flanges 40 and 42 tend to exert a force against the side of the carton B tending to swing the display panel 36 forwardly. This is prevented by the engagement of the locks. However, the stabilizing flanges tend to hold the locks taut to prevent accidental disengagement.

In FIG. 8 of the drawings, l disclose a modified form of carton with which the attachment may be used. ln this case, the carton E is of the shadow box" type. However, the top and bottom flap structure includes closure panels to which the ends 50 of the attachment flanges 44 and 46 may be secured in the same manner as in the regular tuck flap carton illustrated in the previous figures.

As will be evident from FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, in packaging similar cartons having display attachments A thereupon, the display attachments will nest together so that the total width of two packages would be the width of two cartons plus the width of one display panel. The display panels are doubled and are accordingly possessed of substantial strength and have been found to provide effective protection for the contents during shipment and storage. It is of further interest to note that the cartons with the attachments thereon may also be displayed in the position indicated in H0. 2, as

the backs of the carton as well as the back panel of the display attachment may be printed simultaneously with the front surfaces thereof.

In accordance with the patent statutes l have described the principles of construction and operation of my carton attachment; while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

lclaim:

I. An attachment for use in conjunction with a carton having tubularly arranges walls and top and bottom closure panels, the attachment including:

a display panel having a vertical edge a pair of connecting flanges hinged to the top and bottom edges of the display panel, I

said flanges being folded into parallel relation and extending laterally of said vertical edge of said display panel, and secured in overlapping relation to said top and bottom closure panels, with a vertical edge of said display panel adjoining one wall of said carton.

2. The attachment of claim I and including a stabilizing flange hinged to said vertical edge of the display panel which adjoins the carton, the stabilizing flange being folded into substantially right angular relation to said display panel andengaging said one wall of said carton.

3. The attachment of claim 1 and in which said display panel includes a second vertical edge parallel to the first named vertical edge, and

a rear panel hinged to said second vertical edge and folded rearwardly of, and secured in substantially face contact with, said display panel,

4. The structure of claim 3 and including a stabilizing flange hinged to said rear panel, and in face contact with, said first named stabilizing flange.

5. The structure of claim 1 and in which said connecting flanges and said closure panels include interlocking means for securing said attachment to said carton.

6. The structure of claim 1 and in which the portions of said connecting flanges extending between said display panel and said carton are substantially triangular.

7. The structure of claim 1 and including a window opening in said display panel and a film of transparent plastic extending across said window.

8. The structure of claim 4 and including a window in said display panel, and a sheet of transparent plastic anchored to the rear of said display panel above and below said window, and having one vertical edge secured to said stabilizing flange and another vertical edge secured to said rear panel.

9. The structure of claim 4 and including a window in said display panel, and a generally rectangular sheet of plastic film secured to the rear surface of said display panel above and below said window, and having one vertical edge secured to said stabilizing flange and a second vertical edge secured to said rear panel, and a product projecting through said window and enclosed between said film and said rear panel.

10. A carton attachment blank including:

a generally rectangular display panel,

a stabilizing flange hinged to one edge of said display panel,

a rear panel of substantially the same size as said display panel hinged to the edge thereof opposite said one edge,

connecting flanges hingedly connected to the remaining two edges of said display panel, said connecting flanges extending beyond said one edge of said display panel free of connection to said stabilizing flange,

a window in said display panel,

a rectangular sheet of plastic film having two edges secured to said display panel on opposite sides of said window, a third edge anchored to said stabilizing flange, and a fourth edge anchored to said rear panel. 

1. An attachment for use in conjunction with a carton having tubularly arranged walls and top and bottom closure panels, the attachment including: a display panel having a vertical edge a pair of connecting flanges hinged to the top and bottom edges of the display panel, said flanges being folded into parallel relation and extending laterally of said vertical edge of said display panel, and secured in overlapping relation to said top and bottom closure panels, with a vertical edge of said display panel adjoining one wall of said carton.
 2. The attachment of claim 1 and including a stabilizing flange hinged to said vertical edge of the display panel which adjoins the carton, the stabilizing flange being folded into substantially right angular relation to said display panel and engaging said one wall of said carton.
 3. The attachment of claim 1 and in which said display panel includes a second vertical edge parallel to the first named vertical edge, and a rear panel hinged to said second vertical edge and folded rearwardly of, and secured in substantially face contact with, said display panel,
 4. The structure of claim 3 and including a stabilizing flange hinged to said rear panel, and in face contact with, said first named stabilizing flange.
 5. The structure of claim 1 and in which said connecting flanges and said closure panels include interlocking means for securing said attachment to said carton.
 6. The structure of claim 1 and in which the portions of said connecting flanges extending between said display panel and said carton are substantially triangular.
 7. The structure of claim 1 and including a window opening in said display panel and a film of transparent plastic extending across said window.
 8. The structure of claim 4 and including a window in said display panel, and a sheet of transparent plastic anchored to the rear of said display panel above and below said window, and having one vertical edge secured to said stabilizing flange and another vertical edge secured to said rear panel.
 9. The structure of claim 4 and including a window in said display panel, and a generally rectangular sheet of plastic film secured to the rear surface of said display panel above and below said window, and having one vertical edge secured to said stabilizing flange and a second vertical edge secured to said rear panel, and a product projecting through said window and enclosed between said film and said rear panEl.
 10. A carton attachment blank including: a generally rectangular display panel, a stabilizing flange hinged to one edge of said display panel, a rear panel of substantially the same size as said display panel hinged to the edge thereof opposite said one edge, connecting flanges hingedly connected to the remaining two edges of said display panel, said connecting flanges extending beyond said one edge of said display panel free of connection to said stabilizing flange, a window in said display panel, a rectangular sheet of plastic film having two edges secured to said display panel on opposite sides of said window, a third edge anchored to said stabilizing flange, and a fourth edge anchored to said rear panel. 